Drake sports Humboldt Broncos jersey at Toronto Raptors playoff game

The Toronto Raptors kicked off their NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, with franchise ambassador and rap superstar Drake cheering on from the sidelines at the Air Canada Centre.

But rather than rock Raptors swag, the Toronto-born rapper opted to wear a Humboldt Broncos hockey jersey by way of tribute to the victims of last week’s tragic bus crash in Saskatchewan.

Seated at his customary courtside spot, the 31-year-old pointed to the sky when he was shown on the giant screen, prompting a loud ovation from the crowd.

Much respect to Drake for wearing a Humboldt Broncos jersey in tribute for the victims of the bush crash. The support is all around the sports world. Sports is what unites us all. #HumboldtStrongpic.twitter.com/Umvdz7FsI6

Drake’s tribute comes on the day that Broncos head coach Darcy Haugan and team statistician Brody Hinz were laid to rest in Humboldt, Sask., and defenceman Logan Boulet was remembered at a service in Lethbridge, Alta.

Sixteen people died as a result of the crash, while 13 suffered injuries.